Wisconsin Badgers eyeing Jaguars coordinator Mel Tucker

December 16, 2012 12:30 PM ET

Though Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said early last week he was not interested in the head coaching vacancy at the University of Wisconsin, sources said the program has continued to pursue Tucker and he is a top target for the opening. Tucker has a very close relationship with athletic director Barry Alvarez, his college coach, and was willing to meet with school officials in Jacksonville this week, sources said. The former Badgers defensive back has strong support from boosters in the area according to sources.

Tucker, who served as interim head coach this week while Mike Mularkey was hospitalized, is thought of highly by owner Shahid Khan and was a finalist for the Jaguars head coaching vacancy last year. Tucker turned down other options to stay with the Jags last offseason, and should the team make changes at general manager and head coach as many expect, he could garner consideration for the head job there.

Before joining CBS Sports, Jason La Canfora was the Washington Redskins beat writer for The Washington Post for six years and served as NFL Network's insider. The Baltimore native can be seen every Sunday during the season on The NFL Today.